>>17811383In post-World War I Germany (1918–1933), several left-wing groups, including the Communist Party of Germany (KPD), Roter Frontkämpferbund (Red Front Fighters’ League or RFB), and other Soviet-aligned or sympathetic revolutionary forces, were involved in violent uprisings, assassinations, and street-level political violence.
1. Spartacist Uprising (January 1919)
• Leaders: Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht (KPD).
• What happened: Attempted communist revolution in Berlin against the provisional Weimar government.
• Tactics: Seizure of government buildings, mass strikes, armed confrontations.
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2. Ruhr Uprising (March 1920)
• Who: Communist and worker militias, including RFB members.
• What happened: Formation of a “Red Army” for the purpose of open revolt.
• Tactics: Armed control of towns, attacks on infrastructure, coordinated strikes.
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3. Hamburg Uprising (October 1923)
• Who: KPD and associated worker groups.
• What happened: Armed insurrection in Hamburg as part of a broader revolutionary plan.
• Tactics: Assaults on government buildings, creation of barricades, armed violence against civilian forces.
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4. Political Street Violence and Assassinations
• Who: Red Frontkämpferbund (RFB), KPD supporters.
• What happened: Street clashes with Nazis and police during political demonstrations.
• Tactics: Use of firearms, brawls, political assassinations, intimidation of opponents.
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5. Soviet-Aligned Subversive Activity
• Who: KPD leadership and Soviet-linked operatives via the Comintern.
• What happened: Coordination with Soviet Union for revolutionary agitation.
• Tactics: Underground organizing, smuggling of arms and propaganda, training of militants, attempted synchronization of uprisings across Germany.